Town celebrates conservancy link

Hiking legend Mary “trailangelmary” Parry will be happy to see her vision unfold on June 2, 2012.

That’s when hikers, wannabe hikers and residents will gather near Cumberland and High streets to celebrate Duncannon’s acceptance to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC).

Parry said the event will be held to encourage people to hike the trails in Duncannon. Several guided hikes and river excursions are scheduled for the morning, followed by presentations and vendors lining the streets of Duncannon in the afternoon and evening.

As coordinator, Parry wanted to target children, the future hikers of the Appalachian Trail.

“We have little game cards that have objects on them, like plants or animals, and every time they see one of those things out on the hike, they can cross it off. The one with the most objects crossed off wins prizes,” said Parry.

Planning for the celebration is still in the beginning stages, but presentation ideas already have been decided. Presentations include the Appalachian Trail’s leave-no-trace philosophy, which teaches hikers to be respectful of their surroundings; a Native American storyteller; through-hikers (those who hike the whole Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia and stop at Duncannon for food or shelter); and trail safety.

Vendors and live music will be among the attractions.

At the moment, Parry is crunching numbers with her planning committee, figuring about $5,000 will be needed to make the event possible.

The committee currently is accepting corporate donors, sponsors or community member donations.

“We have a strong committee this year,” said Parry. “I just want my vision to come true … I have just jumped in and am running with it. I hope that along the way, I can inspire others to be motivated.”

Parry replaced former event coordinator Margaret Ryan. Parry, herself, is a local celebrity on the trail.

“I think that being a part of the ATC and having the celebration is good for the trail, the town and will bring people together. My hope is that it brings more visitors,” she said.